SARS-CoV-2 Direct Real Time PCR without RNA Extraction: Appropriate Method or Not?

Real time PCR (RT-PCR) detection method is the widely used for COVID-19 virus detection. This includes sample collection in viral transport medium (VTM), RNA extraction followed by of using fluorescence dye-based system RT-PCR machine. Several studies have demonstrated a new which replaces step simple involving DTT and Proteinase-K heat treatment. ICMR few other governing bodies approved such protocols but are they appropriate clinical context? In present study, we tried to evaluate one protocol WHO (of CoviPath™ Kit) replacing step. We 228 samples studying 176 positive (CT values from 14 23; 24 31 32 37 were considered as high, moderate low respectively) 52 negative nasopharyngeal oropharyngeal swabs samples. got 100% concordant results with 92% 8% non-concordant Non-concordant Low level positivity could indicate initial/end stage disease. If at initial stage, can be potential carrier spread Authors believe that direct methods screening bit not diagnosis